What’s in the Purple Bowl?

A few years ago we had a bonfire on the hill behind our house. It was a grand affair with many friends and lots of good food. When it was all said and done, there remained behind a purple plastic bowl, the kind you get in a dollar store around Halloween.

Since then, the purple bowl has had a place in our refrigerator. In it go all the leftover scraps of stale bread, ends of tomatoes, leftover peas, salad and any other type of greens or vegetable. Can you guess what we do with this bowl?

Our one dozen chickens are the lucky recipients of the treasure of the bowl!

When I come out of the back door with the bowl, they all come running. I’m guessing they don’t see that well (or are they colorblind?), but strangely enough they see well enough to recognize that purple bowl.

“The girls” as we have fondly dubbed them, peck away at the contents and sometimes fight over seeds (like from the inside of a cantaloupe) or especially something tasty like raspberries. Once I actually saw one of the chickens grab a raspberry and RUN like a bat out of the night, to keep any other girlfriend from getting her prize.

If you remember an old post of mine, I was not happy when the chickens originally came a few years ago. Since then, I have softened quite a bit and will oftentimes let them out of their coop in the evening to stretch their legs. I give our yellow lab/retriever Jordan a fresh egg because she is their watchdog. We live next to a large woodsy area and she is their sentry, watching for any signs of trouble.

I ate a few more eggs this summer than normal and was wondering if my cholesterol count at my recent physical would register the increase. Thank God it was normal, yes normal!, so my sunny side up egg ritual can continue.

I’m not sure where you live but if you have some backyard space you might want to consider getting some chickens. We don’t have a rooster; we had one and they make too much noise. But chickens are relatively easy to raise if you get a couple of good books and peck the brain of someone who already has them. Chances are you know someone who has some! Make sure you have a strong, sturdy coop, especially if you live near the woods. Chickens are a delicacy for woodland animals!

Our chickens are entertainment when we have guests over. During the summer after dinner, we’d sit on lawn chairs in the back yard, sipping iced or hot coffee and let the girls loose. They run and chase each other, dig in the dirt and peck at bugs and plants. You have to watch them if you have a garden though. They’ll eat your prize tomato if it’s just the right height. 😉

Part of a having a simple life is to get down to basics. I’ve learned to appreciate food when I can see its source; where it comes from and what went into its growth. It’s good to know that I can eat a fresh egg whenever I want, and I appreciate that.

Another chicken loving friend of mine turned me onto this great website for more information. Check out Fresh Eggs Daily and learn more.

16 Replies to “What’s in the Purple Bowl?”

I’ve got the coop Joanne but I’m waiting until Spring to get “the girls”. If I got them now, I’d have to go through mail order and they’d have to stay in the basement until they were big enough to “handle” being out in the coop—in the Spring the local feed and seed will carry chicks—so we shall see—I’m excited for the eggs and the company 🙂
I’ll keep you posted and most likely be asking you a million questions 🙂
Hugs Joanne—Julie

Keith, they would be fine! You just have to have a sturdy coop. And no! They never become dinner. They are fancy chickens and make the most beautiful light brown and green eggs. If you ever want to know more, give Jim a call!
xo Joanne

My neighbors have 3 Rhode Island Red chickens and 13 Guinea Hens. They are going away this week-end and I am going to babysit. So, since I have not been around them, I went over today so see how they would react to a stranger. The chickens are the overseers of the Guinea’s as I found out. When it’s time to go back into the coup, the chickens herd the Guinea’s into their coup and then they go into theirs. Well, they must of though that I was there to put them away because they started to herd the Guinea’s. As if they could understand me, I told them, NO it’s not time yet. Love your blogs and look forward to the next. Love, Donna

Hi Donna!I’ve not had much experience with Guinea Hens although my first encounter with them at a friend’s house was not the best. They scared the heck out of me when I rounded the corner and they started squawking! It’s interesting how the chickens herd the guineas at your friend’s house. Very cool!
Love and miss you- Joanne

According to my primary care physician, Joanne–and he’s past 80, still has an active practice and rides his bike across the state every year–it’s healthy to eat the egg as nature intended, and NOT just the egg whites. It’s a total benefit, he says, and I think he’s right. Before my mother’s dementia, she said the same thing. For years I’ve eaten at least 5-6 eggs for breakfast each week, and I have very good numbers!

Your “girls” are gorgeous! I used to gather eggs at my aunt and uncle’s house on the farm, and they saw me coming toward the chicken coop with my basket (and a face of fear) and got ready for me. They flapped at me and pecked my hands and arms. My older cousins watched and laughed. Now I realize the problem; I needed a purple bowl!

Hi Marylin! Thank you for agreeing that eggs are good for you- yolk and all. I really love them and eat 4-6 a week. Maybe that is why we both have good numbers!
My grandparents had chickens too and I remember being afraid of them as a young girl. Our chickens have never pecked at me (thankfully) and maybe that is why I have grown more secure around them. Even with a bowl full of treasure, they never peck at my legs but patiently wait until I set the bowl down.
Thank you so much for stopping by!
Joanne

When we retire to the lake, Laurie and I plan on getting a few chickens. Jim has already given me a few general tips, and when the time comes, I’m sure I’ll be looking to you folks for all the details.

Hi Michael, so glad you are thinking about chickens. They are really rewarding. Jim (and I) have learned a few things about raising them we could share. Sorry this took so long to reply to. Somehow you ended up in my spam! Joanne

Hello Marianne,
I love how you said “I hope your day is filled with Light”. That is what I strive for- to be filled with the Light.
Thank you so much for that blessing and may you keep the Light within you too.
xo Joanne

Hi Joanne, love the pretty colors of the green grass, purple, and browns of the hens. Everytime I see a post about your chickens & their eggs, I think of my grandmother holding eggs in her apron & carrying them from the chicken coop to the kitchen. She would hold her apron up with one had a pick the eggs with the other and put them in. Gotta get yourself a purple apron!

You know, that’s a great idea! I’ll look for one! Right now, I have a basket that we take down and fill with eggs, or we use the empty purple bowl and load it up. I love the image of your grandmother holding the eggs in her apron. xo Joanne

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Hi There!

I’m a Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania blogger, published author, wedding/event planner, and a recovering perfectionist! I love to look for grace in everyday life. Love, marriage, faith, children, and grandchildren are my favorite topics. Join me as I look for joyous moments.

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